Informer - Term 1 Week 8

From Our Principal...

Dear Families

Mark Twain once said that, "In twenty years time you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did do".

It is a very concise way of capturing peoples disappointment and regret for letting the chances of life slip away for a range of reasons.

Twain himself was a writer in nineteenth century America. He had the gift of accurate observation and the wit and skill to clearly describe what he saw, in language that even today still makes us stop and think.

So many times in our days, we miss out on the opportunities that life places before us because we do not have the courage to 'jump into the deep end'. Yet, as Twain says, the disappointment of missing  life's opportunities is something that can haunt us till the very end of our lives.

The English author A A Milne, who wrote the children's classic Winnie the Poo, was also the author of the quote, " Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it a present".

I can't always say that every day has been a glittering shiny present, but I do know that we are gifted with the immense grace of being given a new day every morning to learn from and the opportunity to try again. Because as Twain himself said,  “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions".

Have a great week and hug your kids.

Jamie Emerick
Principal

APRE News...

Devonshire Tea and Chat

On Monday 28 March, members of the Reachout Group invite you to an afternoon tea outside the tuckshop in the shed. All current and prospective members are welcome to attend. We can enjoy a scone plus a cup of tea/coffee as we learn more about this beautiful group who assist our school community.

Reachout and help someone in need

Whole School Mass & Leadeship Presentation

All parents and families are welcome to attend our opening school mass on Monday 21st March at 11.45am.  This will be held in the school shed (Nazarene Place).

After the mass all year 6 school leaders will be presented to the school.

APC News...

Nowadays many of us carry a calculator in our pockets (mobile phones) or on our wrists (smart watches), so why is it necessary for children to learn mental maths strategies?

The term ‘mental maths’ refers to any mathematical calculation that is performed mentally, without the aid of a calculator or pen and paper. We use mental maths everyday, often without even realising it.

A strong mental maths ability is a key foundation in establishing a deeper understanding of mathematical operations and calculations. As adults we all know how to trade, borrow or carry numbers in addition and subtraction sums according to algorithms we learnt at school but do we really have a deeper understanding of what we are actually doing?

Children begin learning mental maths strategies related to addition and subtraction before moving onto multiplication and division strategies.

Some addition and subtraction mental strategies that children begin with include:

• Counting on from a larger number to find the total of two numbers
• Counting back from a number to find the remaining number
• Using doubles and near doubles
• Bridging to ten
• Using place value to partition numbers

As children progress they will be introduced to strategies such as the jump, split and inverse strategies.

Some of the multiplication and division strategies that children will be taught include:

• Repeated addition
• Repeated subtraction
• Using place value concepts
• Factorising
• Using the Commutative Property of Multiplication

Keep an eye out in coming editions as I unpack some of these strategies.

Congratulations to Chelsea Holden from Year 4 Kingfishers who was last week’s “Waste Free Wednesday” winner. It was wonderful again to see so many students who had no plastic in their lunch boxes. Did you know that the top five products that can be recycled are: paper and newspapers, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and batteries!

P & F Meeting TODAY

Parent Volunteer Inductions

With the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions, we have been given the thumbs up to host face-to-face Volunteer Induction sessions with our double-vaxxed school community! In line with our Diocesan requirements, all those wishing to volunteer at St John's need to complete a brief 20-30 minute Volunteer Induction session each year prior to volunteering on site. We are hosting a number of sessions in the school library over the coming weeks to accommodate our highly valued returning volunteers and our volunteers-to-be. We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 1- 6 - Term One - Parent Teacher Interviews - Week 9 (21 – 25 March)

In Week 9 (21 - 25 March) we will host our Term One, Parent Teacher Interviews for our Year 1 to Year 6 families.  Prep Interviews will be conducted over the next few weeks; please see your child’s class teacher.

Parent Teacher Interviews are imperative to ensure strong home and school relationships as well as providing a wonderful opportunity to discuss the progress of your child, celebrate successes and set goals for the coming year.

Interview times are OPEN for parents to book on Monday 14 March (Week 8) at 8.00am and will close on Thursday 17 March (Week 8) at 4.00pm. 

All Year 1 – 6 Parent Teacher Interviews MUST be booked via Parent Lounge within this timeframe.  No bookings will be made from the office or via your child’s teacher.

Interview times can be reserved by accessing your Parent Lounge account via https://402sjg.rok.catholic.edu.au/parentlounge.

Pupil Free Day

Pupil Free Day is scheduled for the final day of Term 1, Friday 1 April. St John's onsite Outside School Hours Care service takes bookings for Pupil Free Days, open from 6am until 6pm. Email our OSHC Coordinator, Mrs Bridgette Turner for bookings and enquiries: bridgette_turner@rok.catholic.edu.au

Student Well Being Survey

All things Cross Country..........

Our P-6 St John’s Cross Country is on Thursday 31 March for all students starting at 8.40am sharp.

Prep – Year 1 Cross Country Course

This year, to ensure the safety of our students, the Prep and Year 1 Cross Country course is a little shorter. Whilst it is still a good challenge for our younger students; it will suit the sprinters!!!

General Information is as follows:

• Prep – Year 1 to meet teachers in their classroom from 8.20am
• Year 2-6 students are to put their school bags at their classrooms and move to their House Tents on oval from 8.20am. There will be NO Parade.
• Students to wear their school polo or choose a sun safe shirt in house colour, sports shorts, runners, sunscreen, school hat and a large water bottle.
• The first race starts at 8.40am sharp (Year 1 Girls)
• Prep – Year 1 students complete the Fun Run Track course (approx. 500m)
• Year 2 and younger Year 3 students born in 2014 (only) compete the half course (approx. 1km).
• Students born in 2013- 2010 compete in their year of birth and complete the full course (approx 1.6km).
• All students (P-6) receive a ribbon if they place 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, or 5^th
• Students born 2010 - 2013 receive points towards Athletics Age Champion if finish 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd
• Students born 2010, 2011 and 2012 selected in the school Cross Country team to attend Port Curtis trials if they finish 1^st – 5^th.
• All races finish at approx. 10.45am and student return to their normal school day.
• All parent volunteers are always welcome! Please email Jakki Graham at jakki_graham@rok.catholic.edu.au if you would like to help out.

Proposed 2022 Cross Country Courses

Prep – Year 1 (Fun Run Track)

1. Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area
2. Run down the straight, turning left behind the football posts at the J Hickey end of oval towards Year 4-6 playground.
3. Run behind Year 4-6 Playground, past the top of the Natura Playground and up the hill to the finish line.
   

All Year 2 and Year 3’s (born 2014 only)

1. Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area.
2. One full lap of oval (anti-clockwise) and back down the straight to the small gate at J Hickey Av.
3. Run down J Hickey footpath and left into bushland.
4. Follow the bush track until reaching ‘’junction’’. Turn left and run up the hill until exit track at Laner St.
5. Follow the footpath up to the school car park, toward Groundsman's shed, up to the Fun Run track, around the 4-6 Playground and on to the 80m track to finish line.

Students born 2013 – 2010

1. Starting line at Year 1-3 Playground area
2. One full lap of oval (anti-clockwise) and back down the straight to the small gate at J Hickey Av
3. Run down J Hickey footpath and left into bushland.
4. Follow the bush track until you reach the "junction’’.
5. Turn right down the hill, across the bridge, turning left to run up the grass verge to Aramac Dr.
6. Turn left on the grass path of Aramac Dr until you reach the bridge at J Hickey Av.
7. Take a hard left turn and run on the grass track behind the houses until you reach the exit at Laner St.
8. Follow the footpath up to the school car park, toward the groundsman's shed up to the Fun Run track, around the 4-6 Playground and on to the 80m track to finish line.

Fitness is Back!

Before school fitness is back! Students are invited to meet Mrs Graham on the oval at 7:45am Wednesdays, commencing 16 March.

Under 10 Port Curtis Rugby League Team

Congratulations to the students below who have been selected in the Under 10 Port Curtis Rugby League Team. These students will compete at the Quad series in Rockhampton on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April.

Colby Smith
Maverick Nassar

PJ Marsh Results

St John’s sent two teams to the PJ Marsh Interschool  Rugby League Carnival.

Our Number 1 team went through the round games undefeated, but did have a grueling 4-all draw against Kin Kora State School. Because of the undefeated record, the team progressed to the grand final where we played against our old rivals Star of the Sea. Our St John’s team played an outstanding game, winning the grand final 24-4.

Our Number 2 side was made-up of mostly 9 year old’s; our next year’s stars in the making! They played in 5 games, all of which they were very competitive. We cant wait to see their boys and girls on the field again next year!

Two of our St John’s students made it to the possible and probables; Maverick Nassar and Colby Smith, both of who were selected in the Port Curtis U/10 Representative side.

All our children’s behaviour and sportsmanship was exemplary and they were a credit to our school, themselves and their families.

Congratulations to all players who participated and a huge thank you as always to super-coach Des Langdon!

Chelsea Baker Cup Results

Chelsea Baker (Girl’s) Rugby League Cup Results

Last Wednesday saw our St John’s girls play in the Chelsea Baker Cup.

The girls had 3 round robin the previous week, in which they were undefeated.

In the finals, our St John’s Team played against Clinton State School and won 8-4 in a nail-biter and brought home the Chelsea Baker Cup!

Our girls were outstanding and displayed great behaviours and sportspersonship at all times. Their never give up attitude was evident throughout the 30 + degree day!

Congratulations to all the girls who competed and again thank you to our super coach, Mr. Langdon!!!

Chelsea Baker Cup

Port Curtis Touch Football

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in the Port Curtis 10-12 years Touch Football Team playing in Biloela on Tuesday 29 March.

Taylah Stokes
Chloe Long
Layla Byers
Layla Whittaker
Ethan Royston
Parker Bowman
Dallas Kerr

St John's Way Awards

Chanel College Enrolments For Year 7 In 2023

A reminder to Parents/Carers that Enrolment Applications for Year 7 in 2023 opened in October 2021. Please note that places are filling fast, so get your application in now to avoid disappointment.

The first round of Applications CLOSE 27 May 2022. Please be aware that there may not be a Round 2 if all places are filled first time round.

Chanel College OPEN NIGHT for Year 7 in 2023 will be held on Tuesday 3 May 2022. All welcome.

Tour our facilities and see what it is that makes Chanel College a special place for learning.

We understand that choosing the right school for your child is an extremely important decision. At Chanel College we will make that transition a smooth process for your family.

Enrolment Information packs are available from the College Office.

Applications can be made online by visiting www.chanelcollege.qld.edu.au under the Enrolment Tab.

If you have any enquiries, please contact our Enrolments Officer: Mrs Jo Constable on 4994 8925 or email enrolments@chanelcollege.qld.edu.au

#responsibleresilientrespectfullearners

Tuckshop Specials

Volunteer Tuckshop Roster

Tuckshop Menu

OSHC

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Congratulations to Tyler Watson and Charlotte Rippingale who are starring in this production.

Community...